The Miracle of Istanbul: The Greatest Champions League Final Comeback

The 2005 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan is one of the most famous matches in the history of soccer. At halftime, Milan led 3-0 and looked to be cruising to their seventh European Cup. However, Liverpool somehow conjured up a miraculous comeback in the second half. Three goals in six minutes, including one of the best goals in the history of the competition from Steven Gerrard, leveled the scores at 3-3. The match went to extra-time, and even then, Liverpool seemed to be on the back foot and were saved by their inspired goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who made a series of incredible saves that included a double stop from Andriy Shevchenko. Liverpool won the resulting penalty shootout, with Dudek again the hero as he saved Shevchenko's spot-kick, and the rest was history. The Miracle of Istanbul will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in soccer history and a testament to the never-say-die attitude of Liverpool Football Club.